ASUU Blasts Nigeria’s Governance Failures, Cites Corruption, Brain Drain, Security Challenges

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned Nigeria’s deep-rooted institutional weaknesses, widespread corruption, and inefficiencies within the government, all of which hinder the nation’s progress.

On Saturday, ASUU National President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke voiced his concerns during the union’s 23rd National Delegates Conference at the University of Benin’s Ugbowo campus.

Osodeke criticised the lack of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance, linking these issues to the country’s worsening economic situation.

He blamed the adoption of neoliberal economic policies for the widespread apathy and mass migration, often referred to as “Japa,” among young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad.

Despite the country’s vast resources, Osodeke pointed out that Nigeria continues to face high unemployment, inflation, rising poverty, and a depreciating currency.

 He stated that while the informal economy helps many survive, it is largely ignored by national policy and burdened by high taxes and steep energy and communication charges.

The ASUU President also questioned the sincerity of the government’s economic reforms, asserting that the ongoing brain drain, where professionals and graduates flee for better prospects, is a clear sign of the failure of national policies and poorly executed reforms.

Osodeke did not stop there; he condemned the multiple security challenges facing the country, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, widespread kidnapping in the South, secessionist movements in the South-East, and jungle justice in various regions.

He warned that no part of Nigeria is immune to these threats and called for urgent, practical solutions.

He stated that the current climate of fear is stalling national development and exacerbating divisions among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. Osodeke pointed out that this situation overwhelms security agencies and undermines public confidence in their ability to protect citizens